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  |  jandrasek
Joey
   43 Posts
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Aug 20 2012 : 01:29:04 AM    |
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Hello, I have a male sugar glider that is approx 8mo old. He has been doing great and has been fed a pellet diet along with green beans, carrots, and broccoli. He has only been at my place for a week. It was hard out of the gate with him as he was somewhat docile, but liked to bite. I used the CHT and PST method of breaking him of biting, along with using my thumb as advised by an exotic vet. We've bonded really well with small treats and lots of time together. I've had him on me as much as I can during the day, and spend time playing with him at night. He's been eating and drinking fine. He has been very active during the night time, up till tonight. Usually he is running and jumping around his cage or running in his wheel, "it is a wodent wheel, a raptor is already on order as per bad reviews on the wodent wheel."
I wasn't able to spend any time with him today at all except for his cottage cheese on the finger snack when I woke up this morning. When I got home tonight, he was playing in his wheel and eating fine. I put my hand in the cage and he came up to one of the upper levels and just stopped and hung out there. I pet him some, which is uncommon because he really likes to play and isn't much for being held or pet when he's awake. If that wasn't odd enough, he then got on my arm and is now hanging out on my back. He was playing around a bit, but is now just hanging on at the same place. He's awake and looking around and doesn't mind being pet at all. He just simply isn't active. I've checked him for health signs and can't see, hear, or feel anything that is a miss.
Is he simply telling me he missed me today and doesn't want to get off of me and play because of this, or is there something for me to be concerned about?
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 | yecats
Glider
USA
92 Posts
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Aug 20 2012 : 02:32:42 AM  |
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I was just about to make a post almost identical to this, only everything today was regular routine, and mine's 2 years old not fully bonded. We're doing tent time and he just isnt active or playing around a lot like he usually does. Doesn't want anything to do with me, I don't understand :(
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| petluv15
Fuzzy Wuzzy
 1500 Posts
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Aug 20 2012 : 10:30:05 AM  |
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Keep an eye on him - sometimes they get startled/scared and freeze, but if he is just staring off into space for long periods of time, that isn't a good thing - could be low blood sugar or other health problem if its occurring more often.
Also, please do NOT use the thumb method to stop that biting - that is cruel. Instead, work on building trust. Hold out treats and allow him to choose to come to you and use the treat as something for him to nibble on rather than your skin. You can use the PSST sound but there is no need to shove your thumb in their mouth to stop the biting - it will only hurt your bond and could injure the glider.
You may also want to look into some soft nectar replacement diets to use over the pellets - gliders are sap suckers and get more nutrition when its provided in a soft form such as BML, HPW Original, etc. He will also need a variety of fruits, not just veggies for well rounded nutrition.
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| Candy
Zippy Glidershorts
USA
4636 Posts
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Aug 20 2012 : 10:41:01 AM |
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I also have to comment on the thumb in the mouth technique.
Try having someone you 'trust' shove their ELBOW in your mouth forcing your jaw open and see if you still want them to be your friend...............
Please consider getting him on a better diet than the cheap pellets. After having his mouth bruised by your thumb, he may be having a little trouble eating the pellets.
Please have your glider checked by a glider experienced vet if you are concerned about his lack of activity. He may have health issues an has no other way of letting you know.
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 | TJones09
Goofy Gorillatoes
2001 Posts
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Aug 20 2012 : 10:50:45 AM |
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I'm in total agreement with the already given advise concerning bonding & diet. I would also like to ad that if he doesn't have a glider buddy, he needs one, he may be showing signs of the beginning of depression which may lead to over-grooming & self-mutilation.
I suggest:
Keep a very close eye on him, wouldn't hurt for a vet check, get a better diet as recommended, and work on trust building as you start looking for his glider buddy ASAP.
Edited by - TJones09 on Aug 20 2012 10:51:52 AM
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| jandrasek
Joey
43 Posts
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Aug 20 2012 : 01:21:00 PM |
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quote:
Originally posted by petluv15
Keep an eye on him - sometimes they get startled/scared and freeze, but if he is just staring off into space for long periods of time, that isn't a good thing - could be low blood sugar or other health problem if its occurring more often.
Also, please do NOT use the thumb method to stop that biting - that is cruel. Instead, work on building trust. Hold out treats and allow him to choose to come to you and use the treat as something for him to nibble on rather than your skin. You can use the PSST sound but there is no need to shove your thumb in their mouth to stop the biting - it will only hurt your bond and could injure the glider.
You may also want to look into some soft nectar replacement diets to use over the pellets - gliders are sap suckers and get more nutrition when its provided in a soft form such as BML, HPW Original, etc. He will also need a variety of fruits, not just veggies for well rounded nutrition.
Thanks for all the advise!
I stopped using the thumb method as soon as I came on the sugarglider forums and started reading other, more productive methods to let him know that biting wasn't acceptable. The main one that I used was the PST or CHT method. It's worked, by far, better than the thumb method. It is only mildly annoying to him, and he knows exactly what caused the response. I am happy to say, he is no longer a biter!
I am currently doing research for his diet. I've looked at several reviews and chemical analysis charts to find what I think is the best for my glider. There are so many opinions and choices on what food to give them. I definitely agree there is better food out there than just a hard pellet though! As of right now, he's still getting a pellet, a vitamin supplement, and a variety of fruits and veggies. Mainly carrot, green bean, broccoli, apple, and small amounts of watermelon. I also do a small amount of cottage cheese on my finger.
Later last night, he did start playing normally on his wheel, running around his cage, eating, etc...
Edited by - jandrasek on Aug 20 2012 01:36:42 PM
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| jandrasek
Joey
43 Posts
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Aug 20 2012 : 01:23:02 PM |
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quote:
Originally posted by TJones09
I'm in total agreement with the already given advise concerning bonding & diet. I would also like to ad that if he doesn't have a glider buddy, he needs one, he may be showing signs of the beginning of depression which may lead to over-grooming & self-mutilation.
I suggest:
Keep a very close eye on him, wouldn't hurt for a vet check, get a better diet as recommended, and work on trust building as you start looking for his glider buddy ASAP.
I am currently searching out another glider in the area for him. If you have all the toys in the world, it doesn't matter if you don't have a friend to share them with! |
| jandrasek
Joey
43 Posts
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Aug 20 2012 : 01:25:10 PM |
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quote:
Originally posted by Candy
I also have to comment on the thumb in the mouth technique.
Try having someone you 'trust' shove their ELBOW in your mouth forcing your jaw open and see if you still want them to be your friend...............
Please consider getting him on a better diet than the cheap pellets. After having his mouth bruised by your thumb, he may be having a little trouble eating the pellets.
Please have your glider checked by a glider experienced vet if you are concerned about his lack of activity. He may have health issues an has no other way of letting you know.
Thank you for the advise. I didn't think the thumb method was a very good choice either! I'm glad that I found sugarglider for better methods and sources of information. I've learned a lot from the more experienced users here. 
Edited by - jandrasek on Aug 20 2012 01:26:15 PM
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| Skyfire
Face Hugger
AZ, USA
456 Posts
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Aug 20 2012 : 01:25:20 PM |
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Don't forget protien. boiled or baked chicken, beef, eggs, shrimp. Make sure if you do shrimp that you boil it before feeding it even if it says it is cooked. They need meat in their diets too.
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| Omis n Kais g-ma
Pouch Protector
TX, USA
7321 Posts
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Aug 20 2012 : 01:28:12 PM |
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Were your lights on? Ours always do this when we turn them on at night during playtime. They'll stay like that for like forever.
Petluv is right about the thumb not breaking the biting. It in fact is making him not trust you more. You'll have to take the bite until he is trusting you. I still do on occasion. Especially with my female. I wince every time I put my hand in the pouch to pull out a boy. I get bit every time by a girl.
He may also be lonely.
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| TJones09
Goofy Gorillatoes
2001 Posts
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Aug 20 2012 : 01:30:57 PM |
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OP, you are doing a great job at suggie parenting! I'm happy you found yourself here and are taking very healthy & productive steps caring for your glider.
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| jandrasek
Joey
43 Posts
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Aug 20 2012 : 01:34:46 PM |
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quote:
Originally posted by Skyfire
Don't forget protien. boiled or baked chicken, beef, eggs, shrimp. Make sure if you do shrimp that you boil it before feeding it even if it says it is cooked. They need meat in their diets too.
I agree, I've been looking at different choices to use as his staple diet. What I believe I am going to do is use the glide-r-chow, glidamins, and glide-r-gravy. I haven't made a purchase yet due to active research on my part on what staple diet and supplement is more desirable.
I don't plan on relying on it for all of his protein though. I wouldn't want to eat the same thing all of the time, and I don't expect my glider to either! Adding in other meats, veggies, and fruits, then having the above mentioned foods available for him if he is still hungry after I am asleep.  |
| jandrasek
Joey
43 Posts
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Aug 20 2012 : 01:41:25 PM |
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quote:
Originally posted by Omis n Kais g-ma
Were your lights on? Ours always do this when we turn them on at night during playtime. They'll stay like that for like forever.
Petluv is right about the thumb not breaking the biting. It in fact is making him not trust you more. You'll have to take the bite until he is trusting you. I still do on occasion. Especially with my female. I wince every time I put my hand in the pouch to pull out a boy. I get bit every time by a girl.
He may also be lonely.
A dim light was on for a while, but was not bright and was shut off soon. I believe his is mainly lonely. I have been searching out a friend for him! |
| jandrasek
Joey
43 Posts
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Aug 20 2012 : 01:43:29 PM |
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quote:
Originally posted by TJones09
OP, you are doing a great job at suggie parenting! I'm happy you found yourself here and are taking very healthy & productive steps caring for your glider.
Thanks, its been quite a journey learning everything. It has only been a week since I brought him home, and I can't see not having him here already! 
Edited by - jandrasek on Aug 20 2012 01:44:23 PM
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| som3randomp3rson
Face Hugger
970 Posts
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Aug 20 2012 : 02:22:07 PM |
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quote:
I agree, I've been looking at different choices to use as his staple diet. What I believe I am going to do is use the glide-r-chow, glidamins, and glide-r-gravy. I haven't made a purchase yet due to active research on my part on what staple diet and supplement is more desirable.
Those sound like Pocket Pets products. The glider gravy is instant HPW, a diet that some here feed. But apparently the instant HPW hasn't been around as long as the original. I looked into the HPW diets when I was researching nutrition. Personally, I like the Original HPW best, but I haven't actually fed any to my girls. I have some of the instant on hand in case I am ever out of every other possible protein option.
The glider chow from pocket pets is mostly fillers and doesn't provide much in the way of nutrition for your glider. I don't know what much about the PP glidamins, but a lot of people suggest NOT sprinkling vitamins over gliders' fruits and veggies, because it is so easy to give them too much. And too much is just as bad as too little. I would suggest finding a diet that has more exact measurements and which has been used for a long time with good results. I would personally suggest, the HPW Orginal, the Suggie Soup used at the Lucky Glider rescue, or perhaps the BML. Those are the ones I considered. I personally use the Reep's Wombaroo Diet (details are listed on the nutrition section of this website), and I have been very happy with it.
You don't seem to know much about Pocket Pets (sometimes called Perfect Pocket Pets). They are a mill breeder. They take gliders away from their parents when they are too young. They give out false information to buyers to make it seem like gliders are EXTREMELY easy to care for. They advise feeding a diet which really isn't very good for gliders. You mentioned the thumb thing for biting? So I assume you've seen the ASGV website? It's run by pocket pets (notice that vet promotes a lot of their pockets). There is an old thread somewhere on this site that has pictures of documents which prove ASGV is owned by PP, but I'm not sure where it is. In any case I (and a lot of people on here would likely agree with me) HIGHLY suggest steering clear of anything to do with Pocket Pets. This site and glidercentral.net are really great resources though. Both have many helpful members who've had gliders for years who can help you out with any questions you may have. And the gliderpedia and nutrition sections of this website are particularly useful for researching important things about your new glider.
I was going to highly suggest getting your glider a friend, but I see you've already said you're looking for one. If you're looking for a second glider, you should also read up on quarantine and intros so that you can successfully get both gliders to become friends. I had a single glider for a while, and she became less playful (and then stopped eating and sleeping). Once I got her a friend, I saw a complete turnaround. Now she is more playful than she ever was, and she's become WAY more affectionate.
I hope everything works out for the two of you! Kudos on doing your research and listening to the advice people have given. It sounds like you're committed to providing your new glider with a great home! :]
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| jandrasek
Joey
43 Posts
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Aug 20 2012 : 04:49:03 PM |
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quote:
Originally posted by som3randomp3rson
quote:
I agree, I've been looking at different choices to use as his staple diet. What I believe I am going to do is use the glide-r-chow, glidamins, and glide-r-gravy. I haven't made a purchase yet due to active research on my part on what staple diet and supplement is more desirable.
Those sound like Pocket Pets products. The glider gravy is instant HPW, a diet that some here feed. But apparently the instant HPW hasn't been around as long as the original. I looked into the HPW diets when I was researching nutrition. Personally, I like the Original HPW best, but I haven't actually fed any to my girls. I have some of the instant on hand in case I am ever out of every other possible protein option.
The glider chow from pocket pets is mostly fillers and doesn't provide much in the way of nutrition for your glider. I don't know what much about the PP glidamins, but a lot of people suggest NOT sprinkling vitamins over gliders' fruits and veggies, because it is so easy to give them too much. And too much is just as bad as too little. I would suggest finding a diet that has more exact measurements and which has been used for a long time with good results. I would personally suggest, the HPW Orginal, the Suggie Soup used at the Lucky Glider rescue, or perhaps the BML. Those are the ones I considered. I personally use the Reep's Wombaroo Diet (details are listed on the nutrition section of this website), and I have been very happy with it.
You don't seem to know much about Pocket Pets (sometimes called Perfect Pocket Pets). They are a mill breeder. They take gliders away from their parents when they are too young. They give out false information to buyers to make it seem like gliders are EXTREMELY easy to care for. They advise feeding a diet which really isn't very good for gliders. You mentioned the thumb thing for biting? So I assume you've seen the ASGV website? It's run by pocket pets (notice that vet promotes a lot of their pockets). There is an old thread somewhere on this site that has pictures of documents which prove ASGV is owned by PP, but I'm not sure where it is. In any case I (and a lot of people on here would likely agree with me) HIGHLY suggest steering clear of anything to do with Pocket Pets. This site and glidercentral.net are really great resources though. Both have many helpful members who've had gliders for years who can help you out with any questions you may have. And the gliderpedia and nutrition sections of this website are particularly useful for researching important things about your new glider.
I was going to highly suggest getting your glider a friend, but I see you've already said you're looking for one. If you're looking for a second glider, you should also read up on quarantine and intros so that you can successfully get both gliders to become friends. I had a single glider for a while, and she became less playful (and then stopped eating and sleeping). Once I got her a friend, I saw a complete turnaround. Now she is more playful than she ever was, and she's become WAY more affectionate.
I hope everything works out for the two of you! Kudos on doing your research and listening to the advice people have given. It sounds like you're committed to providing your new glider with a great home! :]
Thanks for clearing up some of the dis-information I've been reading and looking at from Pocket Pets and ASGV. I have noticed that a lot of what they say in their videos and what I've read has mainly been totally contradicted on this site. I'm glad I've heard it several times that they aren't to be trusted and have gotten so many references from suggie owners.
I understand what suggies eat in a natural habitat, and that they need a similar diet in captivity. I have just read so many controversial threads on what is actually best for the suggie in terms of a captive diet. I plan on digging through the threads some more on what manufacturer produces the most accepted and healthy alternative to a natural out of captivity diet.
When I'm searching the threads and posts for this information, I would be very thankful to whomever could also provide me with a distributor of the most widely acceptable and healthy alternative food for my baby!
I'd like to thank everyone that has posted in my thread for all the great information they have provided! I feel that I'm starting to understand my suggie more and more every day!
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| petluv15
Fuzzy Wuzzy
1500 Posts
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Aug 20 2012 : 04:59:12 PM |
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This is a very good site about diets:
http://www.sweet-sugar-gliders.com/sugar-glider-diet-basics.html
There is not really a manufacture of diets - most of them you will prepare yourself and freeze into ice cubes.
HPW Original and BML are the two diets used by the largest number of glider owners within the community and have been around the longest. Both of their recipes are on the list above.
Some other recognized diet plans people feed include LGRS Suggie Soup, Val's VGV diet, HPW Complete/Plus, & HPW Instant.
All of these will need to be fed alongside fruits/veggies. They have supplements(vitamins/calcium included in the primary mix rather than sprinkling them on top which can lead to over/under dosing. You can feed a bit of hard food(just a few pieces) alongside if you wish if your gliders like it, but its not necessary.
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| Lisa10e
Super Glider
213 Posts
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Aug 20 2012 : 05:03:37 PM |
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Welcome to the forum! My first glider was a PP glider too, you'll learn a lot on here. I noticed the biggest difference when I got her a friend. She came out of her shell within a week, she was like a different glider. I'm sure that would help a lot in your situation too.
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| jandrasek
Joey
43 Posts
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Aug 20 2012 : 05:20:13 PM |
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quote:
Originally posted by petluv15
This is a very good site about diets:
http://www.sweet-sugar-gliders.com/sugar-glider-diet-basics.html
There is not really a manufacture of diets - most of them you will prepare yourself and freeze into ice cubes.
HPW Original and BML are the two diets used by the largest number of glider owners within the community and have been around the longest. Both of their recipes are on the list above.
Some other recognized diet plans people feed include LGRS Suggie Soup, Val's VGV diet, HPW Complete/Plus, & HPW Instant.
All of these will need to be fed alongside fruits/veggies. They have supplements(vitamins/calcium included in the primary mix rather than sprinkling them on top which can lead to over/under dosing. You can feed a bit of hard food(just a few pieces) alongside if you wish if your gliders like it, but its not necessary.
Thanks for the information, I've been looking at the HPW Complete diet from www.hpwdietcenter.com/index.html.
I believe this is the one I'm going to try out.
Wish us luck  |
| Izaq
Starting Member
2 Posts
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Sep 15 2012 : 06:35:44 PM |
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quote:
Originally posted by petluv15
Keep an eye on him - sometimes they get startled/scared and freeze, but if he is just staring off into space for long periods of time, that isn't a good thing - could be low blood sugar or other health problem if its occurring more often.
Also, please do NOT use the thumb method to stop that biting - that is cruel. Instead, work on building trust. Hold out treats and allow him to choose to come to you and use the treat as something for him to nibble on rather than your skin. You can use the PSST sound but there is no need to shove your thumb in their mouth to stop the biting - it will only hurt your bond and could injure the glider.
You may also want to look into some soft nectar replacement diets to use over the pellets - gliders are sap suckers and get more nutrition when its provided in a soft form such as BML, HPW Original, etc. He will also need a variety of fruits, not just veggies for well rounded nutrition.
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| Izaq
Starting Member
2 Posts
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Sep 15 2012 : 06:43:12 PM |
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quote:
Originally posted by petluv15
Keep an eye on him - sometimes they get startled/scared and freeze, but if he is just staring off into space for long periods of time, that isn't a good thing - could be low blood sugar or other health problem if its occurring more often.
Also, please do NOT use the thumb method to stop that biting - that is cruel. Instead, work on building trust. Hold out treats and allow him to choose to come to you and use the treat as something for him to nibble on rather than your skin. You can use the PSST sound but there is no need to shove your thumb in their mouth to stop the biting - it will only hurt your bond and could injure the glider.
You may also want to look into some soft nectar replacement diets to use over the pellets - gliders are sap suckers and get more nutrition when its provided in a soft form such as BML, HPW Original, etc. He will also need a variety of fruits, not just veggies for well rounded nutrition.
Help me!! my sugar glider get scared of something that i really dont know what it is and freeze.he just staring off into space for long period of time.when i try to get him out from the cage, he become really hyperactive and jump from my body. |
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| JeremyLexie
Fuzzy Wuzzy
USA
1190 Posts
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Sep 16 2012 : 05:20:43 PM |
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Please do not listen to an exotic vet on YouTube. He is in the millbreeders pockets. Loose the pellets and they need more than carrots and green beans. And never put your thumb in the mouth. It's abuse and it hurts! The pst method works, sometimes we have to use a bitter apple because our girls likes to bite hubby's ears. Check out the links for diets posted above. Also single gliders do go intro trances. They are colony animals and need other gliders.
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| Omis n Kais g-ma
Pouch Protector
TX, USA
7321 Posts
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Sep 16 2012 : 06:53:14 PM |
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Do you have other pets? Ours will be p[laying but stop dead in their tracks and not move if they see one of our cats walk in the room or one of the dogs.quote:
Originally posted by jandrasek
quote:
Originally posted by Omis n Kais g-ma
Were your lights on? Ours always do this when we turn them on at night during playtime. They'll stay like that for like forever.
Petluv is right about the thumb not breaking the biting. It in fact is making him not trust you more. You'll have to take the bite until he is trusting you. I still do on occasion. Especially with my female. I wince every time I put my hand in the pouch to pull out a boy. I get bit every time by a girl.
He may also be lonely.
A dim light was on for a while, but was not bright and was shut off soon. I believe his is mainly lonely. I have been searching out a friend for him!
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| jandrasek
Joey
43 Posts
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Sep 16 2012 : 06:55:36 PM |
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All problems with my glider have been taken care of, if you like, lookup some new posts that I've made about the progress :)
Thanks All!
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